Nectarine tree named &#39;NECTABINGO&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of yellow nectarine tree denominated NECTABINGO&#39; has fruits with high eating quality and very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, with a semi-sweet orange yellow flesh, without any pigmentation, and an attractive luminous and homogenous skin with a very high percentage of red blush on skin surface.

This application claims priority of Community plant variety right No.2012/0740 filed on Apr. 2, 2012 which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Prunus persica (L.) Batsch

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘NECTABINGO’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of yellownectarine tree, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, which has been given thevariety denomination ‘NECTABINGO’. This new tree produces fruits with along shelf life without alteration both on the tree after growthcompletion and after harvesting, very good eating quality, clingstoneorange yellow flesh fruits for fresh market in mid-July in thePyrénées-Orientales department, France. Contrast is made to ‘BIGTOP®’yellow nectarine tree (non patented), and to its parents, ‘NECTAPRIMA’(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,583) yellow nectarine tree and ‘NECTAGALA’ (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 17,581) yellow nectarine tree, for reliable description.‘NECTABINGO’ is a promising candidate for commercial success in that ithas very attractive fruits with very long shelf life without alterationboth before and after harvesting.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The ‘NECTABINGO’ yellow nectarine tree originated from a cultivated areaof the south of France, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, where itwas tested.

This place is under a Mediterranean climate (a temperate area), on theMediterranean coastline. Winters are gentle and summers warm and dry.The amount of days with temperatures below 7° Celsius can vary between600 and 1200 hours per year. The place is sunny, with 2400 to 2800 hoursof sunny days per year on average. The prevailing wind is called‘Tramontane’: it dries the air, clears the sky from clouds, but itsintensity can be strong and affect the harvest, fruit quantity and/orquality. Marine moisture does not affect the place. Precipitations areirregular through the year and from one year to another. The amount ofrainy days does not exceed 80 days per year, and are mostly found inSpring and Autumn. In May and October, very intense precipitationsoccasionally happen. Summer is dry with a few thunderstorms.

The ‘NECTABINGO’ variety resulted from a pollinated cross between the‘NECTAGALA’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,581) yellow nectarine tree, whichwas used as the seed parent, and the ‘NECTAPRIMA’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.17,583) yellow nectarine tree which was used as the pollen parent.

‘NECTABINGO’ was provisionally designated, tested and geneticallyidentified by a genetic profile, under number 03.8W.31NJ and wasregistered at the Official Catalogue of the Agriculture Ministry of theFrench Republic on Nov. 27, 2011 under number 4049386 The ‘NECTABINGO’variety was obtained by hybridizing and propagated by grafting on a“INRA® GF677” rootstock trees. It has been determined to have uniquetree and fruit characteristics making it worthy for commercial freshfruit production. There are no known effects of the standard rootstocktrees set forth above on the scion cultivar. Asexually propagated plantsremained true to the original tree and all characteristics of the treeand the fruit were transmitted. The plant was reproduced asexually by usin Les Régalines, Route d'Alenya, La Prade de Mousseillous, 66200 ELNE,Pyrénées-Orientales, France. More particularly, the plant was reproducedby grafting.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety ‘NECTABINGO’ yellow nectarine tree bloomsat the end of February or during March near Elne in thePyrénées-Orientales department, France. More particularly, it bloomsbetween March 5^(th) and March 14^(th) generally together with ‘BIGTOP®’yellow nectarine variety (non patented). The blooming period isconsidered semi-early to medium. However, it was observed that its earlydate of blooming seems to be highly dependant on climatic conditions.

The first fruit of ‘NECTABINGO’ ripens generally at the end of June orin July, approximately at the same time as the first fruit of ‘BIGTOP®’yellow nectarine variety (non patented). More particularly, it usuallyripens between June 25^(th) and July 16^(th). However, it was observedthat its early date of maturity seems to be highly dependant on climaticconditions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawing, which are as nearly true as it isreasonably possible to make in a color illustration of this type:

FIG. 1 is a color photograph showing a branch of a tree of the newvariety in orchard, bearing fruits

FIG. 2 is a color photograph which shows four typical specimens of thefruit, one having been cut in half with the pit being left into the halffor depicting fruit flesh and pit of the new variety.

FIG. 3 is a color photograph which depicts the flower buds at differentdevelopment stages, and the reverse and side view of the flower and thereproductive organs with petals removed, of the new variety.

FIG. 4 is a color photograph that shows a close view of typical fruitsof the new variety ‘NECTABINGO’ at ripening time.

Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves andfruit depicted in these photographs may or may not be accurate whencompared to the actual botanical specimen.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The tree, flowers, and fruit may vary in slight detail due to variationsin soil type, cultural practices, and climatic condition. The potentialfor commercial production of fresh fruits by ‘NECTABINGO’ is high, dueto fruit very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting.

Trees are medium vigorous and large stature half-standing in asemi-flared to semi-upright out aspect. The anthocyanic coloration offlowering shoot is present excluding brushwood side away from sun. Thetime of beginning of flowering is considered semi early to medium;flowering begins at the end of February or early in March. The type offlower is showy with medium to large petal size. Petals are pale pink.Leaf glands are present and reniform. The fruit flesh is yellow toorange generally without any pigmentation. The fruit skin is very thick,with a luminous and homogenous red purple blush on a red orangebackground. The stone is clingstone and his size is medium to large.Fruit taste is semi-sweet, very aromatic and with a high level ofsugars.

Compared to ‘BIGTOP®’ (non patented) yellow nectarine tree, ‘NECTABINGO’variety blooms approximately at the same time and ripens at the sametime, as set forth above. However, the maturity of ‘NECTABINGO’ varietyis more grouped than for ‘BIGTOP®’ variety. Moreover, ‘NECTABINGO’fruits are superior to ‘BIGTOP®’ fruits; ‘NECTABINGO’ fruits color ismore complete and homogenous than ‘BIGTOP®’ fruits color. ‘NECTABINGO’fruits are rounder, without mucron and lenticels and have a semi-sweettaste. ‘NECTABINGO’ variety produces a higher quantity of both flowersand fruits than ‘BIGTOP®’ variety.

The new variety male parent, which is ‘NECTAPRIMA’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.17,583), produces yellow nectarines. ‘NECTAPRIMA’ comparatively ripensearly in June, approximately one month earlier than the new variety,which ripens at the end of June or in July.

The new variety female parent, which is the ‘NECTAGALA’ (U.S. Plant Pat.No. 17,581) variety, produces yellow nectarines at the end of August,approximately 1 month and a half later than ‘NECTABINGO’ variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new anddistinct variety of yellow nectarine tree, the following was observed ontrees in their fourth growing season (third year of production) underthe ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards located near thetown of Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. All observationshave been done on rootstock cultivars. Used rootstocks were “INRA®GF677” trees. All major color code designations are by reference to TheR.H.S. Color Chart (Fourth Edition) provided by The Royal HorticulturalSociety of Great Britain.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Generally. — Considered large. The tree size the first            year was approximately 250 cm. The tree was pruned during            each following dormant season to a height of approximately            250 cm. Current season shoots growth could reach 60 to            80 cm. The tree size from the second year (second and next            years) reached a final height of 310 to 330 cm including            current season shoots length. The tree size is consistently            reduces to 250 cm the next years.        -   Spread.—Approximately 100 cm with a cylindrical shape. The            whole orchard was oriented to a central leader organization,            with tree lines spaced of 4.0 meters and trees spaced of 1.0            meter in a same tree line. As a result, tree spread was            about 100 cm and the orchard contained 2500 trees by            hectare.        -   Vigor.—Considered medium vigorous.        -   Productivity.—Very Productive and regular, every year. Fruit            set is spaced by thinning to develop the remaining fruit            into the desired market sized fruit. The number of the fruit            set varies with the prevailing climatic conditions and            cultural practices employed during the bloom period, and is            therefore not distinctive of the present variety.        -   Bearer.—Very regular. The fruit distribution is considered            homogenous on mixed branches and spurs having more than 1            year. Thinning of 1 fruit out of 3 was necessary for the            tree valorisation. Thinning was necessary every year during            the years of observation.        -   Form.—The ‘NECTABINGO’ variety has naturally a semi-flared            to semi-upright shape.        -   Density.—Considered dense.        -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in            France. The variety appears to be hardy under the central            Pyrénées-Orientales departement typical climatic conditions.            Experimentations on different sites with winter chilling            requirement comprised between 350 hours and 1200 hours            showed a good behaviour of the tree in all cases. No damages            were caused by ascertained temperatures as low as −12            degrees Celsius in winter. The tree was also very resistant            to frosty springtime weather.-   Trunk:    -   -   Diameter.—Approximately 9.0 centimeters in diameter when            measured at a distance of approximately 30 centimeters above            the soil level.        -   Bark texture.—Considered smooth to rough, with lenticels.        -   Lenticels.—Numerous lenticels are present. The number of            lenticels reaches 4 or 5 lenticels per cm². The lenticels            range in size from approximately 4.0 millimeters to 6.0            millimeters in width, and from 2.0 to 2.5 millimeters in            height.        -   Lenticel color.—The outside of lenticels has a silver-grey            color (RHS Grey 201 C), whereas the inside is considered            brown (RHS Greyed Orange 164 A or RHS Greyed Orange 165 B).        -   Bark coloration.—The bark has a silver-grey color (RHS Grey            201 C) similar to the outside of lenticels color.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Mature branches and current season shoots are            considered medium for the variety.        -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other nectarine varieties.            The current season shoots have a diameter from 4.0 to 5.0            millimeters, and mature branches have a diameter from 30.0            to 40.0 millimeters.        -   Surface texture.—Average, wood which is several years old            has no furrowed appearance.        -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, but            the crotch angles are generally between 70 degrees and 85            degrees from the horizontal axis. Sometimes the crotch            angles reach 110 degrees from the horizontal axis. This            particular characteristic is not considered distinctive of            the variety, however.        -   Current season shoots.—.        -   Internode length.—Generally between 18.0 and 28.0            millimeters.        -   Color of mature branches.—Medium brown (RHS Grey Brown N199            A or RHS Grey Brown 199 A).        -   Current seasons shoots.—Color. — The color of new shoot tips            is considered a pale yellow-green (RHS Yellow Green 144 A            to B) on lower part of new shoot tips, whereas the upper            part is darker and colored in brown-purple to red purple            (RHS Greyed Orange 174 A to B).-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium for the species. The ratio leaf            length/leaf width is 3.36.        -   Leaf length.—Approximately 132.0 to 162.0 millimeters with            leaf petiole. The medium length is 145.0 millimeters.        -   Leaf width.—Approximately 38.0 to 50.0 millimeters. The            medium width is 43.0 millimeters.        -   Leaf base shape.—Concave.        -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.        -   Leaf tip form.—Short, pointed and acuminate.        -   Leaf color.—Upper leaf surface. — Dark Green (RHS Green 137            A). Lower surface. — A lighter green (RHS Green 137 C or RHS            Yellow Green 146A) than the upper leaf surface color.        -   Leaf texture.—Smooth and glabrous.        -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.        -   Mid-vein.—Color. — Light green, almost yellow (RHS Yellow            Green 150 C). The color may evolve with maturity.        -   Leaf margins.—Slightly undulating.        -   Form.—Considered slightly dentate.        -   Uniformity.—Leaves are isolated or grouped by 2 or 3. In            this last case, one leaf of normal size is found with one or            two smaller leaves (at least 50% smaller).        -   Leaf petioles.—Size. — Considered medium. Length. — About            9.0 to about 12.0 millimeters. Diameter. — About 1.5 to 2.0            millimeters.        -   Petioles color.—Upper petiole surface. — Light green (RHS            Yellow Green 144 A). Lower surface. — Light green (RHS            Yellow Green 145 A).        -   Leaf glands.—Size. — Considered medium. Their length is            about 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters and their width is about 1.0            millimeter. Number. — Generally 2 glands per leaf. Type. —            Reniform. Color. — On young leaves, leaf glands color is            considered a light green (RHS Yellow Green 144 B to A). On            older leaves, leaf glands color turns to a dark brown (RHS            Grey Brown 199 A to 199 B). Margins. — Smooth and regular.        -   Leaf stipules.—Generally. — No leaf stipules were observed.            But as seen in the characteristic relative to the leaves            uniformity, it is possible to find leaves by groups of 2 or            3, with a normal-size leaf and smaller ones.-   Flowers:    -   -   Flower buds.—Generally. — At pre-floral stage of            development, the floral buds are conic in form with a round            tip. Their form is evolving until blooming, with variables            dimensions. Just before blooming, floral buds are            approximately between 10.0 and 11.0 millimeters wide and            approximately 13.0 to 14.0 millimeters long. Color. — This            characteristic is dependent upon the proximity to bloom. At            pre-floral stage of development, the bottom of the flowers            buds, formed by the sepals, is of purple-brown color (RHS            Greyed Purple 183 A). The corolla, formed by the petals, is            generally of medium pink color (RHS Red Purple 65 A to B to            C). Petals color shows an evolution until the end of            flowering.        -   Hardiness—The buds are considered hardy under typical            central Pyrénées-Orientales departement climatic conditions.            No winter injury was noted during the last several years of            evaluation in the central Pyrénées-Orientales departement,            with winter temperatures as low as −10 degrees Celsius in            January. The current variety has not been intentionally            subjected to drought or heat stress, but the variety showed            a very good resistance in orchard to temperatures up to 42            degrees Celsius with an average temperature between 28 and            30 degrees Celsius during 3 weeks in summer.        -   Date of bloom.—The blooming time generally begins at the end            of February or early in March. The first bloom was observed            on Mar. 5, 2009.        -   Blooming time.—Considered medium-season in relative            comparison to other commercial nectarine cultivars grown in            the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. The date of            full bloom is observed on March 10^(th), at the middle of            the blooming period. The date of bloom varies slightly with            climatic conditions and cultural practices. Thus the first            full bloom was observed on Mar. 5 until Mar. 14, 2009, Mar.            20 until Mar. 26, 2010, Feb. 24 until Mar. 6, 2011. The next            observed blooming time was from Mar. 14 until Mar. 23, 2012.        -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 10 days. This            characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic            conditions.        -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type            flower.        -   Flower size.—Considered large. Flower diameter at full bloom            is approximately 31.0 to 33.0 millimeters.        -   Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant, approximately between            45 and 50 flowers per meter, with a good distribution and a            high rate of fruit set.        -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally 2 flower buds appear per            node, occasionally 1.        -   Petal size.—Generally. — Considered medium to large.        -   Length.—Generally 18.12 millimeters (between 17.0 to 19.0            millimeters).        -   Width.—Generally 17.37 millimeters (between 16.0 to 19.0            millimeters).        -   Petal form.—Round-shaped.        -   Petal count.—Generally 5.        -   Petal texture.—Smooth, soft and glabrous.        -   Petal color.—Both surfaces of the petal are colored with a            pale Pink (RHS Red Purple 69 B to C) when young, becoming            slightly darker until the end of blooming.        -   Fragrance.—Sweet.        -   Petal claw.—Form. — The claw is considered to have a conic            form, with a slightly curved tip. Length. — Approximately            6.0 millimeters. Width. — Approximately 4.0 millimeters.        -   Petal margins.—Generally considered wrinkled and very wavy,            sinuate.        -   Petal apex.—Generally. — The petal apices are generally wide            dome-shaped and slightly dentate.        -   Flower pedicel.—Length. — Considered medium to large and            having an average length of approximately 3.0 to 4.0            millimeters. Diameter. — Considered average, approximately            2.0 millimeters. Color. — Green (RHS Yellow Green 145 B).        -   Calyx.—Internal surface texture. — Smooth and glabrous.            Color. — The inner surface of the calyx is matt and            considered golden-orange (RHS Greyed Red 178 C to B). The            outer surface of the calyx is considered of purple-brown            (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A) color.        -   Sepals.—Number. — Generally five sepals Surface texture. —            The outer surface has a short, fine pubescent texture. Size.            — Average. Length. — Approximately 5.0 to 6.0 millimeters.            Width. — Approximately 4.0 to 5.0 millimeters. Color. — Both            sides of sepals are colored with a matt Red (RHS Greyed            Purple 183 A or B or C or D or RHS Grey Brown 199A).        -   Average number of stamens per flower.—Approximately 40            stamens per flower.        -   Anthers.—Generally. — Medium in length. Color. — Orange            yellow color (RHS Yellow Orange 16 A to B) or red to red            orange color (RHS Greyed Purple Group 178 A). The color may            evolve with maturity to turn in a yellow color.        -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow            color (Approximately RHS Yellow Orange 17 B to C) which may            evolve with maturity. The present variety is considered            auto-fertile (self-pollinating).        -   Filaments.—Size. — Medium length, between 9.0 and 18.0            millimeters in length. Filaments length is generally higher            to the pistil's length.        -   Color.—Considered light pink (approximately RHS Red Purple            62 C to D or RHS Red Purple 73 A to B). The color becomes            darker during the blooming.        -   Pistil.—Number. — Usually 1. Generally. — Average in size.            Length. — Approximately 16.0 millimeters including the            ovary. Generally equal to stamen length, if not slightly            smaller. Color. — Considered a very pale green (RHS Yellow            Green 150 D or RHS Yellow Green Group 151 D). The color            evolves during the blooming. Surface texture. — Glabrous.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Very firm in ripe conditions            (shipping ripe).        -   Date of first picking.—Jul. 5, 2009.        -   Date of last picking.—The date of harvest varies slightly            with the prevailing climatic conditions. The ‘NECTABINGO            variety has a medium date of picking, and a grouped            maturity. The maturity is grouped within 9 to 14 days and            the harvest is generally performed in two runs. Last known            picking times carry on Jul. 5 to Jul. 15, 2009, Jul. 15 to            Jul. 24, 2010, then Jun. 25 to Jul. 8, 2011 and Jul. 16 to            Jul. 26, 2012.        -   Size—Generally. — Homogeneous in size.        -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 67.0 to 71.0            millimeters.        -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 68.0 to 71.0            millimeters.        -   Typical weight.—Generally about 175.0 to 200.0 grams. This            characteristic is high dependent upon the prevailing            cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly            distinctive of the variety.        -   Fruit form.—Generally. — Round. The fruit is generally            uniform in symmetry, viewed from the suture's plane.        -   Fruit suture.—Wide-mouthed and slightly marked, extending            from the base to the apex. No apparent callousing or            stitching exists along the suture line. Not pointed.        -   Suture.—Color. — The suture has generally a similar color to            the whole fruit color, a luminous purple red (RHS Greyed            Purple 187 A).        -   Ventral surface.—Form. — Smooth.        -   Apex.—Non-prominent, generally slightly depressed.        -   Base.—Semi-flared, shallow.        -   Stem cavity.—Average depth of the stem cavity is about 8.0            to 10.0 millimeters. Average width is about 12.0 to 16.0            millimeters.        -   Fruit skin.—Thickness. — Considered very thick and strong,            and the adherence of skin to flesh is strong to medium,            depending on the fruit maturity. Texture. — Glabrous. Taste.            — Semi-sweet, aromatic, with a high level of sugars.            Tendency to crack. — None observed.        -   Color.—Blush color. — This blush color is a luminous and            homogenous purple red (RHS Greyed Purple 187 A). The red            blush covers 90% to 95% of the fruit skin surface on an            orange red background (RHS Orange Red N34 A). The percentage            of the blush on the fruit skin surface can vary, and is            generally dependant upon the prevailing conditions under            which the fruit was grown. Ground color. — The ground color            covers approximately 5% of the fruit skin surface, and is            considered orange red (RHS Orange Red N 34 A).        -   Fruit stem.—Medium in length, approximately 8.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 4.0 millimeters.        -   Color.—Pale green (RHS Yellow Green 145A to 145 B).        -   Flesh.—Ripens. — Very homogenously, slowly. The flesh has a            long shelf life. Texture. — Very firm, very dense, crunchy,            melting, juicy at harvest maturity stage. Fibers. — Not            fibrous. Aroma. — Pronounced. Eating quality. — Considered            very good and aromatic. Flavor. — Considered semi-sweet and            very aromatic. The Brix is generally superior to 10 and            acidity comprised between 6 and 9 meq/100 ml. Juice. — Very            juicy at complete maturity. Brix. — Generally 10.0 to 11.0            degrees. This characteristic varies slightly with the number            of fruit per tree; prevailing cultural practices; and the            surrounding climatic conditions. Flesh color. — Orange            yellow flesh (RHS Yellow Orange 16 B to C) usually without            any pigmentation.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Clingstone, more or less adherent depending on the            fruit maturity.        -   Size.—Considered medium to large for the variety. The stone            size varies significantly depending upon the tree vigor,            crop load and prevailing growing conditions.        -   Length.—Approximately 31.0 to 33 millimeters.        -   Width.—Approximately 22.0 to 24.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 16.0 to 18.0 millimeters.        -   Form.—Elliptic.        -   Base.—Round to slightly oblique.        -   Apex.—Shape. — The stone apex is short, pointed.        -   Stone cavity.—Considered medium to large size, with an            ovate-form and dimensions corresponding to the stone's            dimensions.        -   Stone surface.—Surface texture. — The pit is transversely            furrowed on its entire surface. Furrows are more pronounced            toward the apex. The stone is pitted toward the base. Relief            is prominent generally and present basally. Ridges. — The            surface texture is generally characterized by more prominent            ridges along the ventral edges and is more prominent at the            apical tip.        -   Ventral edge.—Width. — Considered small to medium, and            having a dimension of approximately 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters            at mid-suture.        -   Dorsal edge.—Shape. — Grooved.        -   Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is generally            considered light orange brown (RHS Greyed Orange 164 B or            RHS Greyed Orange 165 B).        -   Tendency to split.—Splitting is very low or absent,            depending on climatic conditions between blooming period and            stone hardening.        -   Kernel.—Size. — The kernel is considered medium. Length. —            Approximately 18.0 millimeters. Width. — Approximately 11.0            millimeters. Thickness. — Approximately 4.0 millimeters.            Form. — Considered oblate and elliptic. Pellicle. — The            pellicle of the kernel has a short pubescence. Color. — The            kernel skin is a orange-brown (RHS Greyed Orange 164 A or            RHS Greyed Orange N167 B). The almond, which is the seed of            the kernel, is white (RHS White 155 D) and has a bitter            tasting. The kernel and its embryo are mature at the time of            fruit maturity.        -   Use.—The subject variety ‘NECTABINGO is considered to be a            nectarine tree of the medium season of maturity, and which            produces fruits that are considered firm, attractively            colored with a very luminous purple red. Fruits have a            semi-sweet taste and are excellent for uncooked consumption,            crunchy or melting when at full maturity. Fruits have            excellent gustative qualities. Due to their flesh quality,            firmness and density, they can also be commercialized as            4^(th) range product (packed fruit or fruit in bags for            example). And they are also useful for both local and very            long distance shipping.        -   Keeping quality.—Remarkable. Fruit have a slow maturation            and a long shelf life both on the tree after growth            completion and after harvesting without alteration. After            growth completion, fruits are preserved more than one week.            After harvest, fruits are well preserved more than 4 weeks            at 2.0 degree Celsius.        -   Shipping quality.—Considered very good. The fruit of the new            yellow nectarine variety showed minimal bruising of the            flesh or skin damage after being subjected to normal            harvesting and packing procedures. Its resistance to            handling during harvest and packing and its long shelf life            without alteration after harvest easily permit 3 to 4            weeks-shipping at 2 degrees Celsius.        -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular            susceptibilities were noted. The present variety is not very            sensitive to powdery mildew, or conservation diseases and            decay due to its thick and strong skin.

Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the describedcharacteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailingnear Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France, it should beunderstood that variations of the usual magnitude and characteristicsincident to changes in growing conditions, fertilization, pruning, pestcontrol and horticultural management are to be expected.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of yellow nectarine tree asillustrated and described, characterized by fruits with high eatingquality and very long shelf life without alteration before and afterharvesting, with a semi-sweet orange yellow flesh, without anypigmentation, and an attractive luminous and homogenous skin with a veryhigh percentage of red blush on skin surface.